Walk the new motorway in Manukau

The NZ Transport Agency is holding a community open day on Saturday 28 August to preview the new SH20-1 Manukau Extension motorway, as part of the Western Ring Route. The public are invited to walk or cycle the new motorway before it is opened to traffic.

Date: Saturday 28 August
Time: Pedestrians 10am - 1pm, cyclists only 1pm - 2pm
Venue: Southbound lanes of SH20 in Manukau City
Entrance: Enter from Lambie Drive
Transport: Free buses will pick up and drop off between Cavendish Drive Interchange and Davies Avenue

The walking route spans 3.5 kilometres of the new motorway from Cavendish Drive Interchange to the SH1 underpass. Walkers are advised to wear sensible footwear and warm clothing. Cyclists can also have a special ride on the motorway lanes between 1pm and 2pm (last entry to the site is at 1.30pm).

NZTA’s State Highways Manager for Auckland Tommy Parker says the new motorway has been eagerly anticipated, “We appreciate the support that we have had from local residents and businesses while the motorway is being built so this open day is our way of thanking them for their patience and giving them a chance to see the progress on the new motorway at their leisure,” he says.

Free buses will be available to pick up and drop off at Cavendish Drive Interchange and Davies Avenue. As it will be busy in the area on the day, the NZTA advises visitors to use public transport or walk to the entrance. Visit maxx.co.nz or call 09 366 6400 to plan your journey to the event. As large numbers are expected, please do not bring dogs to the event.

Food and drink will be available to purchase on the day at stalls run by local primary schools. Marquees at Lambie Drive and Plunket Avenue will feature displays and information about the motorway and the nearby Manukau Rail Link. Vintage cars and other vehicles will also be on display.

The $220M Manukau Extension motorway will be opened progressively between late August and December. The new 4.5 kilometre-long extension will have two lanes in each direction and connect the Southern and Southwestern motorways. It will give a direct link to Auckland International Airport enabling much faster travel times.

The motorway will form the southern entrance to the Western Ring Route. When completed, the route will provide a 48 kilometre alternative to SH1 between Manukau and Albany via SH20, SH16 and SH18.

Motorway opening information
The new motorway will be opened in three stages:
• August:
o The first part to open will be the SH20 southbound lanes on Sunday 29 August
o Once opened motorists heading south to Roscommon Road will need to exit SH20 at the Puhinui Interchange and use the new connecting road through to Cavendish Drive Interchange
o Motorists will be able to access the new interchanges at Cavendish Drive and Lambie Drive, providing direct connections to SH1 north and south
• September: The second stage - the SH20 westbound lanes - will open
• December: The remaining local road changes will be completed and the motorway will be fully open

There will be some disruption to traffic on local roads as each stage opens and temporary detours will be in place. In the event of wet weather the southbound lanes will open on the next fine night during the week of Monday 30 August.

For more information call 0800 SH20-2-1 (0800 742 021) or visit www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/manukauextension

To view the video please click on the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDsWa-Ul7bo

ENDS

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